What Kinds of Things Make Tinnitus Worse?

Do you suffer from tinnitus? If so, you know that it can be a real pain. The ringing, buzzing, or other noise in your ears can be frustrating and make it difficult to concentrate. In today's blog post from Audiology Innovations, we will discuss what kinds of things can exacerbate tinnitus and make your symptoms worse. Knowing what to avoid can help you manage your condition better and reduce the amount of discomfort you experience on a daily basis.

If you suffer from tinnitus, or another hearing condition and are in need of a hearing evaluation, schedule an appointment today at Audiology Innovations in Calgary and Carstairs.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no corresponding external noise. It can be a ringing, buzzing, or clicking noise and can vary in pitch from low to high. Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant, and can vary in loudness from a soft murmur to a loud roaring. In some cases, tinnitus can be so loud that it interferes with your ability to concentrate or hear external sounds.

Tinnitus can be a temporary or permanent condition, depending on the cause. If tinnitus is caused by exposure to loud noise, it is usually temporary and will go away once the person has stopped being exposed to the noise. However, if there is an underlying medical condition causing the tinnitus, it may be permanent.

What Are the Symptoms of Tinnitus?

The symptoms of tinnitus can vary depending on the person. Some people may only experience a mild ringing in their ears, while others may have a loud and constant noise that interferes with their daily life. The following are some common symptoms of tinnitus:

Ringing, buzzing, or other noise in the ears
Intermittent or constant noise
Noise that varies in pitch from low to high
Noise that is so loud it interferes with concentration or hearing external sounds

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Audiology Innovations today for a hearing evaluation. We will work with you to find the best treatment options for your specific needs.

Are Tinnutus and Hearing Loss Related?

While Tinnitus does not cause hearing loss, they often occur together. Both can be caused by noise exposure, and many people with Tinnitus also have hearing loss, but they are often not aware that they may have a (mild) hearing loss. Many people are unaware that hearing loss is one of the most common causes of Tinnitus!

Hearing loss can certainly make Tinnitus worse - so taking care of your hearing loss is one of the absolute best ways to reduce how much you notice your Tinnitus.

So - a hearing evaluation is an important first step in getting to the bottom of your Tinnitus concerns.

What Makes Tinnitus Worse?

There are several things that can make tinnitus worse. The effect that each of these factors has on an individual’s symptoms will vary from person-to-person, as tinnitus may be exacerbated by different things for different people. If you have tinnitus, it’s essential that you learn more about things that can worsen your symptoms in an effort to manage your condition. However, avoidance of triggers is not a substitute for medical attention from the audiologists like those Audiology Innovations.

Certain medications – Some medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, certain antibiotics, and cancer treatments can make tinnitus worse. If you think your medication may be exacerbating your tinnitus, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
Exposure to loud noise – Loud noise can damage the delicate cells in your inner ear that help you hear. Continued exposure to loud noise can make tinnitus worse. Be sure to protect your ears when you are exposed to loud noises and take breaks if necessary.
Certain foods and drinks – Caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and salt can all make tinnitus worse. Try avoiding these foods and drinks if they seem to aggravate your condition.
Stress – Stress can worsen any medical condition, including tinnitus. Learning how to manage stress through relaxation techniques or other methods may help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Earwax build-up – Earwax is produced by your body to protect your ears from dirt, dust, and other foreign objects. However, too much earwax can block the ear canal and cause tinnitus. If you think earwax may be causing or exacerbating your tinnitus, it may be worth having your ears cleaned by a professional.
Anxiety – People with anxiety often find that their tinnitus symptoms get worse. When you're feeling anxious, your body is in a heightened state and this can cause the ringing, buzzing, or other noise in your ears to be more noticeable. If you're struggling with anxiety, it's important to seek treatment from a professional therapist who can help you manage these feelings better.
TMJ – Some people who suffer from tinnitus also experience pain in their jaw joint, called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). This pain can make tinnitus worse. If you think TMJ may be causing your tinnitus, see a dentist or orthodontist for an evaluation.
Smoking – Cigarette smoke is full of harmful toxins that can damage your ears and make tinnitus worse. If you're a smoker, try quitting for good and see if your tinnitus symptoms improve.
Alcohol – Drinking alcohol can make tinnitus worse. Alcohol relaxes the muscles in your body and can cause the blood vessels in your ears to dilate, which can exacerbate the ringing, buzzing, or other noise you're hearing. Try avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation if you suffer from tinnitus.
Lack of sleep – Not getting enough sleep can make tinnitus worse. When you're tired, your body is in a heightened state of stress and this can make the noise in your ears more noticeable. Be sure to get plenty of rest and relaxation if you suffer from tinnitus.

How to Manage Tinnitus

If you suffer from tinnitus, there are several things you can do to try and reduce the severity of your symptoms. Avoiding things that make your tinnitus worse, like loud noise or certain foods and drinks, can help. In addition, managing stress levels may also help reduce the discomfort you experience. Additionally, if tinnitus gets in the way of your everyday life or has been worsening, it’s important to reach out to an audiologist. If you are in need of a hearing evaluation or have questions about tinnitus, contact Audiology Innovations today. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you find the treatment options that are right for you.

Schedule an Appointment With Audiology Innovations Today

There are many things that can make tinnitus worse, but there are also ways to manage the condition and reduce the amount of discomfort you experience. If you think your tinnitus is being caused or exacerbated by something, talk to your doctor about it. There are treatments available that can help lessen the symptoms of tinnitus and improve your quality of life.

If you are experiencing tinnitus, the first step is to schedule a hearing evaluation with Audiology Innovations. We will work with you to determine the best course of action and find the treatment options that are right for you. Schedule an appointment today at Audiology Innovations in Calgary and Carstairs for a hearing evaluation.

Take control of your tinnitus today!